Cannabis-Induced Catatonia: A Case Series

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Neurology
• Toxicology

Background:

• Catatonia is a complex psychomotor syndrome with diverse etiologies, previously considered a schizophrenia subtype.
• Its association with various medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions is now recognized.
• The rising prevalence of recreational drug use, including cannabis, presents new challenges in understanding catatonia's presentation.

Observation:

• Two cases of catatonia are presented following cannabis consumption.
• The patients exhibited psychomotor disturbances characteristic of catatonia.
• Cannabis use was identified as a potential trigger in these cases.

Findings:

• Cannabis consumption can precipitate catatonia, highlighting a link between substance use and this psychomotor syndrome.
• Prompt identification and intervention are critical due to catatonia's significant morbidity and mortality risks.
• Benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy remain the primary effective treatments.

Implications:

• This case series underscores the need to consider cannabis use in the differential diagnosis of catatonia.
• Further research is warranted to elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms linking cannabis and catatonia.
• Clinical guidelines may need updating to address substance-induced catatonia.